Do you think that Captain America made his big screen debut this Summer in The First Avenger? Think again. Aside from the 1991 feature film and the Republic Films serial, there is another lesser known live action project spotlighting the shield-hurling hero. In 1979, Reb Brown (star of the MST3K -lampooned ‘Space Mutiny’) starred in a pair of Captain America TV movies that have remained in obscurity since they originally appeared.
Here’s a taste…
Captain America 1979
Finally (?) both Captain America and its sequel Death Comes Too Soon, co-starring Christopher Lee of Hammer Horror and Star Wars fame, will be released by Shout! Factory in deluxe digital editions.
Captain America (1979) Trailer
The TV movies take a healthy amount of liberties, from the super soldier serum being called FLAG—Full Latent Ability Gain to the details surrounding his origin (Rogers receives the injection after surviving a car crash). As a kid, I remember being a fan of both the Amazing Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk TV series (heck, I even watch a bit of Wonder Woman), but recall being very confused by this one.
Working with a a team of experts, Rogers is a cut-rate Bionic Man fighting villains who pose a threat to the country. A customized motorcycle, van and shield complete the hero’s arsenal, but his own enhanced abilities serve him best in his missions. Utilizing the tried and true ‘special effects’ very familiar to Wonder Woman, Captain America can jump great heights, is capable of feats of strength and runs remarkably fast. It’s all very schticky, and Reb Brown’s acting gives a new meaning to term ‘wooden,’ but if you are in need of a fun retro flick, this could be worth a look.
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